Legendary Duo to Keep Rocking into 2027
BOSTON, MA, June 1, 2016 – Harmonix Music Systems, Inc. today announced the extension of their agreement with Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) to have the brand’s iconic instruments featured in its popular music video game series Rock Band until 2027. One of the most respected brands in music, Fender® guitars, basses and amps have been an integral component of the Rock Band franchise since its inception in 2007 and this agreement ensures players can enjoy that same level of realism and authenticity for another decade of interactive play.
“Rock Band is all about living out your rock n’ roll fantasies, on stage, under the lights, in front of a crowd,” said Steve Janiak, Harmonix CEO. “For decades, Fender’s iconic designs and signature sound have made them the guitar and amp of choice for many of rock’s greatest stars. Naturally Fender has also been the guitar of choice for many of Rock Band’s aspiring rock stars dating back to the series’ introduction in 2007. I’m thrilled that they’ll continue to be a part of Rock Band well into our next decade.”
Adds Mark Van Vleet, CLO & SVP Business Development of FMIC: “We are pleased to continue our successful relationship with Harmonix. Harmonix continues to impress us with their attention to detail and precision in faithfully recreating our classic instruments. The experience they create of being a rock star ensures their global audience feels the passion and excitement of being in a band when they strap on a Rock Band guitar or bass.”
Following last year’s launch of Rock Band 4, Harmonix has worked closely with the Rock Band community to bring new features and content to the game. Most recently, Harmonix announced a Rock Band 4 Expansion Pack coming this fall, which includes highly anticipated features like synchronous online multiplayer, at the sold-out PAX East expo, one of the largest consumer lifestyle shows in the U.S.
Fans interested in being notified when new Rock Band products are available for pre-order can sign up at www.rockband4.com/first-to-know.
About Rock Band Called “the new benchmark for rhythm gaming” by GamesRadar+, Rock Band 4 delivers the ecstatic rush of a live full-band game experience like never before. Rock Band 4 builds on the core gameplay people love, with brand new features, including game-changing Freestyle Guitar Solo gameplay that allows players to craft their own face-melting and truly original guitar solos.
Last December, Oculus and Harmonix announced Rock Band VR, a completely new music simulation experience coming exclusively to the Oculus Rift later this year.
For more information on Rock Band and to stay up to date with the latest news and announcements, head over to the Rock Band 4 blog or follow @RockBand on Twitter for updates.
About Harmonix Music Systems, Inc. Harmonix Music Systems, Inc., based in Boston, MA, and established in 1995, is the leading developer of groundbreaking music-oriented video games. Harmonix was founded to invent new ways for non-musicians to experience the unique joy that comes from making music and has pioneered music and rhythm gaming in the US. For more information, please visit www.harmonixmusic.com.
About Fender Musical Instruments Corporation Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is one of the world’s leading musical instrument manufacturers, marketers and distributors whose portfolio of brands includes Fender®, Squier®, Gretsch® fretted instruments, Jackson®, EVH® and Charvel® among others. For more information, visit www.fender.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS: Brown-Betty Sam Brace/Lynn Daniels sam@brown-betty.co.uk
Harmonix Dan Walsh PR Manager press@harmonixmusic.com
Fender Christina Stejskal Head of Communications CStejskal@fender.com
© 2016 Harmonix Music Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Harmonix, Rock Band and all related titles and logos are trademarks of Harmonix Music Systems, Inc. Rock Band 4 developed by Harmonix Music Systems, Inc. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.